Don't Be a Victim of Fraud

Date Posted: Feb 16, 2009

Eight Tips to Avoid Fraud

1. If it sounds too good to be true, it is -- think Madoff
2. High returns are associated with high risk and low returns with safer investments -- always keep this in mind.
3. Don't be pressured into buying something on the spot;  give yourself time to think about it.  If the offer is legitimate, no one has to pressure you.
4. Never give out your bank account number, credit card numbers, or social security number unless you are certain that it is safe to do so.
5. If you get an e-mail or call from your bank, the Social Security Administration, or other business or agency and they ask for sensitive information over the phone for verification, DON'T give it .  It is a Scam and they are probably not who they say they are.
6. If a charity or other solicitation calls you on the phone, ask them to mail you literature.  If they decline, then don't give.  You can't be sure they are who they say they are.
7. The best way to give to a charity is to choose which ones you want to support and send them a check.  If you answer a solicitation, the charity may be paying someone to do the solicitation for them and they may get little of the money.
8. Don't pay the entire amount for a service before you receive the work;  it's Ok to pay a deposit but only pay in full after the service is rendered.